liminalteashop | coffee shop psl

coffee shop psl

[There's nothing more relaxing after tough day of torment and stress than a piping hot cup of plain black coffee. Gil's legs take him to his favorite haunt mechanically. His mind has long since shut down after a long day at his job, and as he opens the door he's welcomed with the warm aroma of caffeine and pastries, and the white noise chatter of other patrons. It's not the closest cafe, or even the most convenient route for him to get to. It's not even that the coffee or food is particularly earth-shattering. There's another reason he chooses to frequent this cafe every day, even on some days off.

That reason has a braid of gold and sunburst eyes with a smile to match. Gil offers a shy little wave at the barista, his lips twitching in his nerves. He's realized he has a terrible problem. He had never expected to develop a crush when ordering his first cup of coffee, yet here he is, about to make what might be the stupidest decision of his life.]

Uh. [He's reached the counter far too soon. Now he stands here in front of Aether, his mind blanks on the words he wanted to say. The question he dreamed to ask.] How's your day been?

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[It's another quieter day but Aether can hardly complain. Maybe the cafe isn't serving the best coffee or food, but he enjoys the atmosphere of his working place all the same. It's also a good spot for other things he needs to pay attention to--

The door open and Aether quickly spots the familiar face. It's his favourite customer. He waves back at Gil and gives him a bright, slightly amused smile, especially when the other rushes to the counter and asks him about his day.]

Hello. [He laughs and it's a clear, warm sound.] It's been pretty good, but now it's great. I was actually wondering when I'd see you again. [His eyes soften.]

What about you? Tough day at work? Would you like the same coffee as usual?

[That bright smile melts away some of his exhaustion from the day. Aether thinks it’s great to see a dull customer like him, even though Gil can’t imagine he’s particularly exciting to talk to. His heart picks up a beat over the words, frayed and excited that Aether looked forward to seeing him.]

I’m nervous— I mean, I’m doing good.

[His ears pink as he stumbles over his words, pretending to be fascinated with the counter.]

Yes, please. Is your shift almost over?

[Aether gives Gil a curious look when the other mentions he's nervous and notes the way his ears get pink. There's a small smile on Aether's face. He doesn't say anything for now, just nods.]

Alright. I'll get you your coffee right away.

[But before he turns around to start the preparation he still has a question to answer.

Aether gives the other a warm smile.]

Yes, actually. Why? [His smile widens just a little bit, his eyes showing a playful glint.] Do you want to ask me out?

Ah—

[Surely the cafe must be able to hear the racing of his pulse. Gil splutters and manages to nearly trip into the counter, a feat. How had Aether managed to see right through him?! He must think him to be awful.]

That’s…forgive me. You must have better things to do.

[He apologizes, but doesn’t deny it. The panic is setting in.]

[Oh.

This isn't the reaction he wanted to get. Aether quickly waves a hand in the air.]

Not at all! I was... actually waiting for you to say something.

[Now he blushes a little, gaze away from the other. But he realizes this may still not be clear enough so he adds:]

I want to go out with you.

...I see. This whole time my silence has been a burden upon your shoulders--

[Aether's prediction is correct. Gil almost doesn't hear him over his panicked mumbling and racing of his pulse. But it stops him mid-sentence, and he glances up in stunned silence.]

You...you want to go out with me too?

[He's almost worried that Gil will not hear him and just try to avoid him from now on, but instead the other looks at him and asks that question. Aether smiles.]

Yes! [He nods firmly.] Let's have a nice date after I'm done with my shift.

[His smile brightens.]

A date.

[His mouth curves and he feels light with the word. He had imagined all of the ways this could go wrong. It never occurred to him how it might go right.]

That sounds wonderful. Are you hungry?

[His smile only brightens seeing that expression on Gil's face. He seems so much calmer now, too.]

I've been working all day and I bet the same can be said for you... So yes. A dinner together sounds nice.

[He wants to lean a little closer, but he's still not done with his work. He's already openly romancing a customer here!]

[His tiny shy smile broadens seeing Aether’s smile. It’s like staring at the sun.]

Mn, it does. I’ll wait until you get off. [And sip his coffee slowly!]

Are you in the mood for anything in particular?

Good. I can't wait.

[He really can't. His heart is fluttering in his chest.]

Hmm... as long as it's a homely quiet place where we could hide in a corner and enjoy each other's company, it'll be fine.

[He grins. He's got quite a romantic heart!]

That sounds perfect.

[He'd much rather focus his attention on Aether! As nerve-wracking as it is, it's something he's been daydreaming about for months. He never imagined in his wildest dreams Aether would be interested.]

I think there's somewhere like that nearby.

Great.

[Aether smiles, then peers behind Gilbert.]

I'll see you soon then! [And then he puts a hand closer to his mouth and whispers.] There are customers waiting in line...

[Sadly, the work won't wait until they're done flirting.]

Ah!

[Gil jumps several feet in the air, miraculously not dropping his coffee. His cheeks darken and he looks flustered, stumbling over an apology.]

I-- I'm sorry. I'll get out of the way. See you later!

[And he goes to wait. In a table off in the corner. Hopefully no one will see him as he tries to sink as close to the floor as he can.]

[Aether really wants to reassure Gil that everything is fine. Thankfully, the shift ends fast and the blonde gathers his things, says his byes and joins Gil at the table.]

I hope you enjoyed your coffee.

[The bright smile is back on his face.]

It was the best coffee I’ve ever had.

[The coffee here is always his favorite, but today it’s even better because Aether wants to date him! This is better than coffee. With a shy smile he offers his arm out.]

Are you ready?

[Aether chuckles, well aware that the coffee here isn't anything special, but Gil likely found a meaning to it. Everything seems so much better when you're happy.]

I'm glad.

[He accepts the arm and hooks his own around it. His smile is warm.]

Let's go.

[Aether's arm in his, Gil's heart flutters with such enthusiasm that he starts to get dizzy! He's never been this close to him before...!]

Y-- Yes. Let's go.

[His voice catches but he manages to navigate the cafe without embarrassing himself or hopefully Aether. It's hard for him to believe this is real.]

[Gil really is endearing. Aether can't help but grin to himself as the two of them make it out of the cafe.

They walk through the streets, with Gil leading the way, but to make sure the silence isn't awkward, Aether speaks up at some point.]

I'm really glad you invited me. I was wondering if I should do it myself.

Ah...!

[Snapping out of that nervous, elated daze, Gil ducks his head, but it does nothing to hide his red ears or him.]

I'm sorry I took so long. I-- I meant to ask you sooner, but I wasn't sure how to ask, and I know you're at work, and I didn't want to hold up the line, and...I'm glad I invited you too.

[Aether smiles quietly, leaning a little closer to the other while grabbing his hand and giving it a firm squeeze.]

I'm just glad to be with you here, right now. Nothing else matters.

[He's happy they can walk so close to one another, without a care in the world. It's everything he's ever wanted.]

The wait was absolutely worth it, anyway.

[His heart jumps at that touch. Aether's hand is warm, and he laces his fingers.]

I'm glad too.

[He hadn't imagined it would go this well! They arrive at the cozy restaurant, it's quiet and hidden in a corner.]

[He keeps on surprising Gil a lot, but it looks like the other is enjoying everything and that's what matters to Aether the most. He's happy when their fingers are laced together, smiling bright in response.

When they arrive at the restaurant, Aether takes a look around.]

It looks like you can really feel at home here. It's perfect.

[He notices a comfy couch in the corner of the restaurant and quickly leads Gil there. They can sit side by side!]

Is it okay? It’s not too crowded? I think there’s some variety on the menu.

[Gil frets even though there’s a handful of people dining there at this time. He nearly stumbles following Aether, red in the face when he sees the couch, and practically a tomato when they sit side by side.]

W…Would you like a menu?!

[Aether keeps a soft smile on his face as he looks at the other, but instead of answering the question, he makes a small "hmm" sound.]

You don't have to be so worried. [He just want to gently point it out.]

Is there anything I can do to put your mind at ease?

[All the blushing Gil is doing is very cute, but Aether would like him to relax!]

F— Forgive me.

[Some of the nervousness in his expression melts away. It’s hard for him to panic when Aether is smiling so softly. At him. He’s smiling at him.]

You don’t need to do anything. I’m just happy to be here with you.

[Aether shakes his head, then carefully takes Gil's hand into his own.]

You haven't done anything wrong... being nervous is natural. [He grins.] I work with people a lot, so it's a bit easier for me, but... your invitation made my heart beat faster, too.

[He probably would be nervous now if Gilbert had more confidence in himself. But since he's doesn't... Aether feels a deep need to reassure him and to make sure he's having fun instead of worrying.]

[Aether’s hand is warm. Gil gives it a shy squeeze.]

It did? [Did he feel okay?? He smiles nervously.] I hadn’t considered that. Do you feel better now?

Edited 2025-04-29 16:27 (UTC)

[Aether blinks, then laughs.]

My heart is still beating fast, but it's not a bad thing. I'm just really happy to be here with you.

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coffee shop psl

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i’m so sorry this is late!

don't worry!